In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, I would like to pay tribute to our beloved deceased veterans, our military heroes who have lost their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Thank you, veterans of war and peace.

We know that their good intentions and noble deeds have made America the leader of the free world. Through their sacrifices, we are all beneficiaries of the democracy, freedom and liberty they’ve fought and died for.

On this special occasion, we honor and remember our brave soldiers and valiant veterans, our dedicated men and women of the U.S. armed forces, who have proudly served and sacrificed their lives fighting to achieve and preserve the peace and freedom we now cherish and enjoy.

As we gather together in churches and cemeteries to offer our prayers and lay flowers and wreaths for our departed loved ones, let us pause for a moment and reflect on the many contributions our soldiers have made to our great nation.

Here is a poem of mine “In Loving Memory,” which I humbly dedicate to our armed forces personnel who lost their lives in the war on terrorism, fighting for freedom and peace throughout the world:

In Loving Memory

With hope and valor

You fought for freedom

Without fear and reservation

You shed tears and blood

To the end…

Committed to defend your country-home

You fought decisively,

Struggled hard to win victory.

With so much pain, sacrifice and suffering,

In service to humanity,

You left us a legacy

To cherish and to uphold —

That love for one’s country is worth

Dying for!

Gone, but not forgotten,

Yet honored and remembered

Today, yesterday and forever —

You, the unsung heroes,

The freedom-lovers and -fighters,

The peacemakers and peacekeepers —

You will always be our ideal and inspiration

For a better life, a world

Where there is love and unity,

Peace and brotherhood among humankind.

Chris A. Quilpa is a retired veteran from the U.S. Navy and a long-time resident of Suffolk. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.